About Me
Macy James is a passionate and energetic hornist who strives to create a more accessible and inclusive atmosphere within classical music. As a blind musician and scholar, she is committed to spreading awareness and support for musicians with disabilities through research, commissions, and community. Macy earned a bachelor’s degree in horn performance from the University of Arkansas in May and is currently pursuing a master’s in performance at Western Michigan University. She holds a graduate assistantship in the WMU horn studio, plays in the Western Graduate Wind Quintet, and advocates for accessibility in music through presentations and research.
Macy dedicated her undergraduate honors thesis to disability representation in horn repertoire. For this project, she searched through horn music and created a list of works that represent disability. To add to this collection, she commissioned Tyler Mazone, a deaf and neurodivergent composer based in Michigan, to write a work for horn. Through this project, Macy was able to support other musicians with disabilities and bring awareness to the barriers they face.
Macy has received many top awards for her musicianship and scholarship, including the Sigma Alpha Iota Musicians with Disabilities Scholarship, a University of Arkansas Senior of Significance Award, a State Undergraduate Research Fellowship, and a Sturgis Fellowship (awarded to four incoming freshmen each year). She graduated with highest honors and presented her honors thesis at the Mid-South Horn Workshop in 2025.
Macy loves to travel and has enjoyed attending conferences and festivals, both alone and with various ensembles. In 2023, she had the privilege of attending the British Isles Music Festival, where she created chamber music with musicians from around the world and studied with members of the London Symphony Orchestra. In 2024, she had the opportunity to participate in a masterclass at the International Women in Brass Conference held in Mito, Japan. She has also enjoyed performances with University of Arkansas ensembles at the Mid-South Horn Workshop, College Band Directors Association, SHE Festival, and student chamber tour.
Macy believes that all musicians deserve access to resources, opportunities, and positive professional interactions. In her spare time, she is beginning the process of founding an organization which will provide a platform for advocacy and a welcoming community for musicians with disabilities. She seeks to connect with other disabled musicians and collaborate to make the community more accessible for all. Macy is grateful for the opportunities that she has had and hopes to continue advocating for access and inclusivity within classical music.
Macy James Music 